Burbank, CA (Friday, December 18, 2009) — In its world broadcast premiere, ABC Family will give fans their very first opportunity to see a sneak peek from Disney?Pixar’s highly anticipated upcoming film, Toy Story 3. Woody and Buzz Lightyear return in this exclusive first-look, which debuts during the network’s telecast of The Incredibles this Sunday night, December 20, (8:30-11:00PM ET/PT) on ABC Family as part of the network’s 25 Days of Christmas Disney/Pixar Weekend television event.

Via its blog, Disney Parks confirmed today that the longstanding rumor that Captain EO will return to Disneyland will in fact happen, albeit for a limited engagement of an as-of-yet unspecified time. In anticipation of the film’s return in February, Honey, I Shrunk the Audience will close within a few weeks for the change-over.

More details should be forthcoming on the Parks’ blog as they’re made available.

BURBANK, CA – December 18, 2009 – It’s the perfect Disney gift for the holidays, one that wraps a full year of Disney discoveries into a single package – and from now until Dec. 31, a D23 Charter Membership is being offered at a special price of $64.99, giving Disney fans a final chance to become a charter-year member of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans.

This special holiday offer is only available through the end of 2009, which ensures that brand-new members will receive an exclusive, charter-year gift.

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 18, 2009 — IMAX Corporation and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures today announced that Toy Story 3, the third installment of the blockbuster hit franchise Toy Story, will be released to IMAX(R) 3D theatres simultaneously with its wide release on June 18, 2010. Toy Story 3 will be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with proprietary IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-mastering) technology.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2009) — President Abraham Lincoln returns to the Main Street Opera House in Disneyland with stunning new Audio-Animatronics technology that makes this the most lifelike and expressive Lincoln figure yet.

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, a beloved Disneyland attraction for nearly 45 years and a historic landmark in the development of Audio-Animatronics technology, reopens Dec. 18 on Main Street, U.S.A. with the new Lincoln figure and an enriched presentation that combines the best elements of the park’s original 1965 show and the most advanced technical enhancements. (The show first opened at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.)

The new Abraham Lincoln figure represents several major milestones for Audio-Animatronics figures. The fully electric head – a first for human Disney Audio-Animatronics figures, which are traditionally hydraulically operated – is based on an all-new sculpt that is more lifelike than in previous versions of the show. With an expanded range of facial movement, Lincoln is more expressive than ever. He can purse his lips, form an “O” with his lips, smile, grimace and use his eyebrows to enhance his emotions.

For at least the second time in PhotoPass history, PhotoMovie is no longer available for purchase. The last time it was not made available was when PhotoCD and PhotoMovie were the only products and the online presence was going through a major overhaul. With the product removed completely from the products list and the help section listing the product as being discontinued, it doesn’t appear as though the PhotoMovie is destined to return any time soon.

For the most complete guide anywhere to Disney’s PhotoPass, bar-none, see our Definitive Guide.

Variety has recently reported that the sequel to the 2007 ensemble comedy Wild Hogs, Wild Hogs 2: Bachelor Ride has been scrapped by the studio. According to the article, the script has been written and the film set to begin shooting by summer, but no formal contracts with the actors were in play.

This is the third film on the Disney slate axed by the former Disney Channel champion Rich Ross since he has taken over the position of Studios President, the first being the Disney originated remake of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and the later victim, Wedding Banned starring Robin Williams, which was dropped by the studios but could find bliss elsewhere.

Sony and LittleBigPlanet developer Media Molecule recently made good on a promise from earlier this year by announcing they’ll be launching exclusive Disney-themed downloadable content beginning December 22 with the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise (there have also been hints of Disney/Pixar’s The Incredibles content coming down the pipeline as well.

The Pirates of the Caribbean expansion is being released in conjunction with the ability to introduce water into the game. A premium level kit, available for $5.99 US, includes: water and related gear; 5 POTC-themed levels; a cannibal costume; 4 music tracks; 1 level background; 8 materials; 14 decorations; 27 objects; 133 stickers; and 11 PlayStation trophies.

CALABASAS, Calif., Dec. 16 — The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) announced today that Steve Wadsworth, President of Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG) will keynote the D.I.C.E. Summit, which will take place at Red Rock Resort, Las Vegas, on February 17-19, 2010.

Wadsworth leads the Walt Disney Company segment that’s responsible for the global creation and delivery of Disney-branded entertainment and lifestyle content across all interactive media platforms, including online, mobile devices and game consoles. DIMG also provides digital media strategy, technology solutions and execution for Disney and its ABC and ESPN units.